The Canberra Times art critic Kerry-Anne Cousins said she was glad the centenary organisers had not gone for a safer option. ''I think it's a mark of the sophistication of Canberra that we can have this kind of debate,'' she said.

Jeremy Lasek, executive director of culture for the Chief Minister's directorate, said the balloon design, construction and testing was about $170,000, but other educational materials and piloting would cost extra. The Skywhale is nearly 23 metres tall and took 1880 hours of work to make. It even has its own Twitter account.

By Thursday afternoon it had sent out nearly 40 tweets.

It used more than 3500 metres of fabric and weighs 500 kilograms with fuel, a pilot and two passengers on board.

56 comments

Best hot-air balloon ever! Leaves the Darth Vader balloon for dead!

Commenter

John Western

Date and time

May 09, 2013, 10:19AM

Yes...I'm looking forward to discussing this with my kids :-) It's going to be a lot of fun.

Commenter

Nick

Date and time

May 09, 2013, 11:33PM

Im suprised its not a GWS balloon as this Labor government has already thrown millions at them already.

Commenter

Muzza

Location

Canberra

Date and time

May 09, 2013, 10:25AM

It's so dark and downright gross. Look at all the beautiful balloons flying around Canberra and they just have to make one that looks crap!

The balloons in the link you provided are fantastic!! I love the space shuttle balloon. Thank you for sharing the story : )

Commenter

Sharron

Location

Canberra

Date and time

May 09, 2013, 1:10PM

That balloon might be able to defy gravity but its eight breasts didn't.

Commenter

dusty

Date and time

May 10, 2013, 9:53AM

It is a Jabba the Hut balloon. The 'Leia as slave girl' balloon will be displayed next to it.

Commenter

Acronym

Date and time

May 09, 2013, 11:21AM

Sorry, that should have read 'the $230,000 'Leia as slave girl' ballon will be displayed next to it.'

Commenter

Acronym

Date and time

May 09, 2013, 1:55PM

It looks like a whale with breasts! I dont mind the arts, but this thing flying in the sky is nothing far from grotesque. And how much did this cost? I have a feeling this is another disaterous attempt from creative director Robyn Archer, lady take your booby whale back to Adelaide.